Foggy Hill Vineyard Definitus Pinot Noir 2021

November 1st 2023 sees the release of this wine - along with the accompany Tapanappa Foggy Hill Pinot Noir 2021.

On the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the establishment of the Foggy Hill vineyard, winemaker Brian Croser - accompanied by wife Ann - embarked on a series of tasting and dinners to celebrate this milestone.

Whilst the Definitus wasn't part of that tasting, opportunity afforded to review it post. The Definitus is akin to a block level wine, the Definitus strip being a sub-ridge formed where ferruginuous sandstone comes close to the surface. It also marks a delineation between two rows of two Bernard Clones (115 and 117, planted in 2003). Winemaker code for: "I think I've something rather special here".

A darker manifestation, of blackberry with some Rosella like relief. Slightly sapid hints, not whole bunch, of depth and intensity.

A delicacy on entry, a light hand, seemingly at odds with the darker elements that introduce the wine. A burst of flavour that reminds of the pop of aromatic from a freshly pierced orange skin - atypical Pinot in my frame if reference, but there nonetheless.

Through the finish a pop of cassis like brilliance, bright and prime with a long tail of flavour through fine and persistent tannins. At turns it feels youthful, yet with a position that suggests longevity. 95

Tasted on: Tuesday 24th October
Source: Sample
Price: $90
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://tapanappa.com.au/

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Tapanappa Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022

Foggy Hill is Brian Croser's latest (albeit one twenty years in the making) passion project, down on the Southern tip of the Fleurieu.

Cool, maritime influenced, the site for this stunningly consistent Pinot. 

Leads with a floral, rose-raspberry mix over Sage. Spice - pepper and Chinese five spice - linger in the background, supplementing the initial brighter aromatics with added depth.

The palate is deep, rich - with a balance of tight and fine tannins, with a freshening acidity in the mix. Finishes long, with an appealing mineral like pucker. Offers finesse, elegance, yet without sacrificing depth of flavour - there's longevity here for sure, if you can keep your mitts off that is. 94

Tasted on: Sunday 22nd October
Source: Sample
Price: $60
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://tapanappa.com.au/

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Castel Firmian Teroldego Rotaliano Superiore Riserva 2019

Black cherry, blackcurrant, touch of cocoa in the mix, with an underlying musky hint - a little like your favourite Uncle's after shave (don't mind me!).

Delightful palate that all at once is tender, yet robust - offering both generosity of fruit, fine tannins and flashes of bright acidity. It's a well rounded package, versatile and comely, inviting and moreish - yet with enough structure to hold up to a broad range of foodstuffs. Good gear! 93

Tasted on: Tuesday 16th October
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Cork
Sample Courtesy of: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

St Hugo GSM 2022

Black and red fruit against savoury, nutty oak. Some warmed earth in the frame.

There's a freshness, both of fruit - with freshening acidity to cleanse across its length.

A biscuity, roasted/ caramel edge adds an extra dimension to the final flourish. An excellent package overall. Drink to ten years. 92

Tasted on: Saturday 16th September
Source: Sample
Price: $54.99
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.sthugo.com/

Cellier des Dauphins Val Soléu IGP Drôme Organic Rosé 2022

Orange peel, strawberry, watermelon - evocative of summer, hot air on a breeze.

Kiss of peachy stonefruit and kernel on the palate, drying phenolic coating the mouth; drying length with a pucker of acid.

Flowing on a length. Evokes Summer in a glass. 92

Tasted on: Monday 9th October
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Nomacorc PlantCorc™
Sample courtesy of:  https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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d'Arenberg d'Arry's Original Grenache Shiraz 2020

(c) Courtesy of d'Arenberg

Years ago, wine personality (I think that the right label) Matt Skinner published his book "Heard It Through the Grapevine" in which he gave a recommendation for bangers 'n' mash paired with d'Arry's Original. It's a pairing I've trusted in since.

To this 2022, it's been a while between d'Arry's for me - and of course not forgetting we farewelled Frances d'Arenberg Osborne just last year - respect.

The Grenache sings here, with that signature McLaren Vale deep set red fruit, over earthen chocolate notes. Mid to full weight on the palate, succulent fruit popping its head up again, with a spice tinged finish.

What's not to love? 91

Tasted on: Tuesday 10th October
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: darenberg.com.au

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Feudo Arancio Quèto Nero d'Avola 2021

Baked raspberry, warm earth, chocolate mud cake vibes. That's not intended to make it sound simple, rather convey the comely aromatics that emanate.

Mid to full weight on the palate, touch of warmth, baking spices - palate presence building, the wine growing in stature. Fine grain of tannin set against the warming presence against the baked red fruit that re-emerges through the mid-final third. 91

Tasted on: Monday 9th October
Source: Sample
Price: $TBC
Alcohol:TBC
Closure: Cork
Sample Courtesy of: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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Berton Vineyard Alfresco Vermentino 2022

Green apple, ripe pear, waxy citrus.

There's a lovely texture on initial entry, but it soon yields to a minerally acid spread before a phenolic pucker.

The acid might be a touch perky for some, but after its initial blaze is does gently ebb towards its conclusion. Lovely balance and length. Multi-faceted, of its many parts. 92

Tasted on: Thursday 29th June
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.bertonvineyards.com.au/

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Tapanappa Tiers Chardonnay 2022

Another "near perfect" vintage remarks Brian Croser in the notes accompanying the release. Slightly warmer than 2021, but like that vintage it's considered spot on - compared to the run of warmer years in the decade from around the 2010s.

Exquisite oak on presentation here, nougat and seasoning, a drizzle of honey, framing the introduction to the wine.

There's an intensity to the wine on initial intro, grapefruity acidity that positively threads through the palate. Texture fills the cavity adding breadth to the exquisite length. Hints of lime, grapefruit add up to this excellent release. 95

Tasted on: Saturday 18th February
Source: Sample
Price: $110
Alcohol: 13.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://tapanappa.com.au/

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Saint & Scholar Graduates Collection Adelaide Hill Shiraz 2021

From the cool of the Hills, but in a somewhat warmer bodied guise.

Blood plums, hints of violet, touch of oak - older - framing and supporting, adding depth.

A supple, easy-going approach to the body. Yielding to some meaty depths and on a very good length. A multi-faceted wine of many parts that doesn't fail to surprise at its many turns. 92

Tasted on: Thursday 30th March
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://saintandscholar.com.au/

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Saint & Scholar Graduates Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc from Adelaide Hills fruit - made by the Barossa Valley based winery
Kaesler.

Classic Hills grassy, passionfruit, fresh vibe on offer here.

Citrus bent on entry to the palate, a thrust of acid that curves its way across the palate. Fleshy rock melon notes had me thinking of warmer months gone. Solid, Savvy. 90

Tasted on: Sunday 23rd April
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://saintandscholar.com.au/

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Saint & Scholar Graduates Collection Pinot Noir 2021

For those who don't know, Saint & Scholar is a secondary label of Barossa based Kaesler.

Here Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir, fruit drawn off a single vineyard, clocking in a very respectable 13.5%.

Fruit at the lighter end of the red Berry spectrum: strawberry, raspberry - perhaps even a playful twist of pomegranate getting in on the action.

A light hand on the tiller across the palate, cooler clime Hills spice starts to come to the fore mid-palate, asserting itself through the finish. Decent Pinot, with a play to all hands. 91

Tasted on: Thursday 23rd March
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://saintandscholar.com.au/

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Saint & Scholar Graduates Collection Chardonnay 2022

Creamy vanilla creme patisserie on offer here, nougat and cashew.

Further oak presence - by way of mouthfeel and spice - on the immediate palate, leading to a moderately creamy palate. Chardonnay on the money. 89

Tasted on: Thursday 13th April
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://saintandscholar.com.au/

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Saint & Scholar Graduates Collection Pinot Gris 2022

Hills Gris here, exuding the hallmark qualities of the style at a textbook 13%.

It's all poached pear, quince, with a trailing edge of patching spice.

Faint textural edge, but I personally prefer to see more width and breadth in the style. Somewhat redeemed through a generous length to it. 89

Tasted on: Sunday 23rd April

Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://saintandscholar.com.au/

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Berton Vineyard Alfresco Barbera 2021

Looks good, tastes good, has enough presence of fruit to take a chill, clocks in at a moderate 12.5% - what's not to like?

Barbera from the Riverina - light cherry and strawberry crunchy vibe, counter-balanced with a darker depth of flavour.

There's a herb and spice twist in the game, carried by a freshening acidity - the hallmarks of a good Barbera. It's all bound up in an attractive mid palate freshness. Solid all rounder - much to commend. 91 

Tasted on: Tuesday 27th June
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.bertonvineyards.com.au/

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Harewood Estate Flux V Pinot Noir 2022

Plum and sour cherry vibe here - cool rendition of Pinot Noir from Denmark, in Western Australia's Great Southern region.

Veers towards a dark fruit profile on the palate: tight, dense tannin profile. Delivers an excellent length, but one suggests the enjoyment factor will be enhanced with time, or a bloody good decant. 92

Tasted on: Thursday 20th April
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Sample courtesy of: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

Producer: https://harewood.com.au/

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Berton Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Passionfruit and lemon balm nose, good aromatic game - a little herbal twist without being over done.

Balanced palate, drive of fruit with some glacé pineapple in the frame. A little zest and drive of acidity. Well produced Sauv, not often you hear me say that! 91

Tasted on: Saturday 10th June

Source: Sample
Price: $14
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.bertonvineyards.com.au/

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Yalumba Homefulness Shiraz 2021

A collaborative effort between leading family owned winery Yalumba and housing charity Forage Built.

This Shiraz builds on the success of the Grenache of a year or two back, which to date has seen Yalumba donate $60,000 to the charity. Whilst I never reviewed that wine, I certainly did my bit and enjoyed a few cases as a home staple.

Redolent of Barossa Shiraz: mulberry, cassis, hint of baking spice in the frame.

The palate conveys similar, supplemented with a twist of black licorice - as if to firm things up a little. It adds a bitterness through the finish, culminating in an almost espresso grounds like conclusion. 91

Tasted on: Tuesday 13th June
Source: Sample
Price: $22
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.hsfe.com.au/

Website: https://foragebuilt.com.au/   

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Colmar Estate Block 2 Chardonnay 2021

Chardonnay from the cool of Orange, where tropical fruit notes have come to the fore to express themselves.

Citrus, ruby grapefruit, vanilla oak. It's delicate and balanced - not a slap you in the face style.

Spiced oak across the palate, intertwined with a suggestive stonefruit notes. What really stands out here is the focal length, delivering a spice tinged conclusion. It really grows on you, be patient - allow that finish to grow and reward. 94

Tasted on: Thursday 22nd June
Source: Sample
Price: $50
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: colmarestate.com.au 

Sample courtesy of: definewine.com.au 

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Yalumba The Cigar 2019

A delightful, dense black fruited mass is what greets you here. Suggestive oak lurks furtively, framing not dominating.

The palate shows a lick of black licorice, a slick and glossy feel shows it gliding across the palate. It feels composed, graceful in how it presents itself - yet not without some gruff tannins, somewhat acting as a counterpoint to how it presents otherwise.

Generous length. Go the years here easily. Drink now to 2032 92

Tasted on: Thursday 22nd June
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: yalumba.com

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Feudo Arancio Nero d'Avola 2021

Classic Sicilian variety at a very friendly price.

Plum and kirsch notes with a herb and savoury edge.

The palate is supple, lithe, hints of baked raspberry across the palate. True tannin profile, with a roughish edge that gives grip across the final movement through the palate. 90

Tasted on: Saturday 24th June
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Sample courtesy of: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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Tolloy Pinot Grigio 2021

Stewed pears with a little soapy floral in the frame.

The palate shows an initial burst of fruit, before a sterner, minerally edge takes over. It's actually the better for it, giving it something of a chalky phenolic that carries across the palate. 

Good line of acidity about which it hangs. Lots to like here. 93

Tasted on: Saturday 10th June
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Cork
Website: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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Castel Firmian Pinot Nero 2020

Pinot Nero from Trentino.

Conveys a dark cherry with something like a choc coated aroma - altogether rather pleasant.

The palate is familiar in that respect too, the addition of a grilled nut character makes this the perfect accompaniment for the cooler months, with the nights drawing in.

There's a gentleness to it in initial entry, with a firmer backbone that translates into a good length. Enjoyable, comforting, balanced. 92

Tasted on: Tuesday 30th May
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: TBC
Closure: Cork
Website: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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De Bortoli Wood Fired Grenache 2021

An initial soft and sensuous palate yields to depth of fruit: satsuma plum, blueberry compote.

It's a pretty straight-down-the-line affair, a fine grain of tannin adds some structure to the palate profile.

Good level of sustain to the finish - steady effort here. 90

Tasted on: Wednesday 31st May
Source: Sample
Price: $21.95
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: debortoli.com.au

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Mayfield Vineyard William Pinot Noir 2022

One year old Pinot from Orange. 285 dozen produced.

Speaks to a somewhat deeper and darker representation of Pinot: briar, dark cherry, blue fruit and florals.

The palate is a mid to full weight, a generous palate presence with a pitch of acidity against a blue/black fruit mix.

For the ask, I'd like to see more depth, presence and barrel time. That said the fruit quality does shine through. 92

Tasted on: Thursday 18th May
Source: Sample
Price: $65
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.mayfieldvineyard.com.au

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Break Free Enfant De Lune Syrah 2021

Single Vineyard wine, fruit from the Frankland River region. 

“Child of the Moon", or born of the moon. Harvested in the cool, by moonlight. Ten days on skins, unfiltered and unfined. Just fermented juice it would appear.

Juicy fruit nose, like the blackcurrant pastille you sucked on as a kid. Subtle baking spice hints, touch of old wood in the frame.

Lithe, supple - not giving any hints to its 14.5% alcohol - with a wicked peppery lick across the length of the wine. It's juicy with a fine grip of subtle tannin, body to the persistent berry driven character present. Fun gear. 91

Tasted on: Wednesday 22nd March
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://clandestinevineyards.com.au/

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Sample Screwcap $ 14.5%

Téssera Wines Middle Child Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

McLaren Vale Cabernet is - in my view - an oft overlooked pleasure. Shiraz stands tall, attempts have been made to garner Grenache as the hero variety - and that's without mentioning the strong Italian roots in the region that have seen Montepulciano and Sangiovese championed amongst the reds.

Here, a Cabernet Sauvignon with classic dark chocolate and coffee grounds aromas - those deep and dark compounds slowly reveal blue and black fruits within.

The palate is soft, rounded, approachable - oak tannin remnants married to a resurgence of fruit and associated freshness. Acid works in tandem to deliver a generous length - and satisfaction. Go now to 2028. 92

Tasted on: Sunday 26th February
Source: Sample
Price: $26.66
Alcohol: 14.6%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://tesserawines.com.au/

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Mayfield Vineyard Backyard Riesling 2022

It's been a while between drinks from Mayfield. This the first of a trio of reviews from the label since acquisition by the Eastham family in 2021.

Expressive Riesling from the Orange region: passionfruit, sour apples, suggestion of under-ripe banana in the mix too.

Soft on entry, soon yielding to a vibrant, minerally acidity giving energy and length.

Limes and kaffir leaf lead to thoughts of spicy Thai on hot days. 91

Tasted on: Thursday 16th February
Source: Sample
Price: $34
Alcohol: 13.2%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.mayfieldvineyard.com.au/

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Cellier des Dauphins Les Dauphins Côte du Rhone Rosé 2020

Strawberry and husk, a little watermelon and rind.

Textural with a slightly broader palate profile. Citrus running fresh across the finish. Flash of fresh herb in the frame too. A pleasing, somewhat no-nonsense style of Rosé. 88

Tasted on: Saturday 29th October
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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Huntington Estate Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

I had the opportunity to re-appraise this at the Huntington Winemaker's Lunch (a great event if you get the chance - disclosure, I have been fortunate to be invited as a guest of the winery on occasion).

On that second tasting, it was reinforced how it is so a wine of depth, of dark black and red fruit sitting on a dense palate with firm tannins.

The Special Reserve is very much a denser and darker manifestation of Cabernet - at least on this showing - within the Huntington portfolio. 

There's a richness too, almost veering toward something that in youth might be considered a balsamic edge. Deep and dense, as though to reflect the rich Mudgee soil, free of the artifice that can be afflicted through excessive oak. 

The palate shows a freshness, a pleasant change of direction at odds to the initial depths that are explored across the palate. For all that, it's certainly assured of a life ahead of it. 94

Tasted on: Sunday 30th October
Source: Sample
Price: $50
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://huntingtonestate.com.au/

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Lapis Luna Zinfandel 2020

Char and toast, bold aromas, certainly not subtle. It's Zinfandel - a staple of Northern California,

here  specifically the North Coast/Mendocino region, the wine sees a mix of French and American oak, a small portion (10%) new.

A lightness on the palate, sweeter edged - showing its alcohol for sure against firm tannins. Reasonable length, but it feels a little unsettled and I'm not convinced it's going to improve beyond where it's at.

For those that love them fuller in profile - go now for up to three years. 88

Tasted on: Tuesday 18th October
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 14.9%
Closure: Cork
Website: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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Harewood Estate Great Southern Riesling 2022

This is the entry level Riesling from Harewood Estate - a producer that explores a range of sub-regional Riesling to such excellence.

Lime pith, green melon, a floral note - steely reserve under that initial aromatic introduction.

Quite austere, yielding little. There's a length and generosity of intent - but hard to nail its colours to the mast when I find such expression elsewhere in the range. 90+

Tasted on: Friday 28th October
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://harewood.com.au/

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Break Free Petite Blancs 2022

Swan Valley Chenin Blanc with Margaret River Chardonnay and Frankland River Gewurztraminer.

Unfiltered, giving it a Barley water-esque haze - something I don't mind in a wine, but shits me no end in a beer.

Plenty of interest mind: musky aromatics, pear juice dribbling across the palate, creamy almond in the mix too.

There's a creamy mid-palate with spikes of acidity. Certainly not your run of the mill white and all the more interesting for it. The sum of the parts and all that. 

Tasted on: Thursday 9th February
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://clandestinevineyards.com.au/

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De Bortoli Ti Amo Fiano 2022

Fiano from across plantings in both the King Valley and Rutherglen, making this a 'Wine of Victoria'.

Lemons and a briny whiff on immediate introduction. Certainly smells the part.

The palate conveys a freshness, by way of nashi pear, creamy nuts, with a harder aspect of minerally acidity that forms the spine for the wine.

It's fresh, Spring-like vibe will certainly grace any table and kick off a gathering. 89

Tasted on: Saturday 11th February
Source: Sample
Price: $19.95
Alcohol: 12.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.debortoli.com.au/

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Robert Stein Half Dry Riesling RS15 2022

Fruit from neighbouring GI Orange is used to make this off-dry Riesling from Mudgee based Robert Stein. 

Apple, mango, citrus - all combine on the nose and provide the lead in to a palate with a moderate sweetness.

A minerally vein gives the wine greater presence through the mid and final thirds. Delicately balanced, the sweeter edge works within itself, textured not cloying. 93

Tasted on: Tuesday 8th November
Source: Sample
Price: $50
Alcohol: 11%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.robertstein.com.au/

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Tessera Peggy Sue Sparkling Pinot Noir NV

Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir fizz, made in the Charmat (tank fermented) method. From husband and wife negociant team who source across the Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale regions.

You can't call a wine Peggy Sue and not expect a "pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty" reference thrown in! A delicate blush in glass draws the eye, the nose lead-in with a kiss of summer berry.

Creamy mouthfeel, coarser effervescence - lending a cleansing feel to the palate. You'd suspect Peggy Sue would be just the girl to kick off a party - you know the type. 90

Tasted on: Saturday 4th February
Source: Gift
Price: $26.66
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: DIAM
Website: https://tesserawines.com.au/

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Huntington Estate Special Reserve Grenache 2022

Floral and berry lead Grenache on offer here, a little warmed earth beneath, in an attractive package clocking in at sub-14% alcohol.

A suppleness on entry, barely there tannin that talks to minimal extraction. It's polished and feels somewhat slick as it glides across the palate, layered as it flows through to the finish. Juicy berry derived flavours swell the wine's presence through the mid and final thirds. 92

Tasted on: Sunday 30th October
Source: Sample
Price: $50
Alcohol: 13.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://huntingtonestate.com.au/

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Yalumba Eden Valley Chardonnay 2020

Grapefruit and lemon-citrus lead-in. Feels familiar on the palate, with an expansive and textural feel.

Residual old oak hint, a minerally suggestion on a generous length. A good all-rounder. 90

Tasted on: Friday 18th November
Source: Sample
Price: $28
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: Yalumba.com

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Angullong Fossil Hill Montepulciano 2021

Bright perfume, of cherry and blueberry - supplemented with a darker heart.

The palate conveys that brightness of fruit, a fine tannin - on a length that seems unyielding. A testament to the quality of the wine, overlooking minor spikes of warmth.

Much has been said about the Orange region and what its "hero" varieties may be, Angullong may well be putting down a marker in that conversation, by flying the flag with these varieties of Italian origin. 93

Tasted on: Thursday 2nd February

Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: angullong.com.au

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Sunlight by Oxford Landing Shiraz 2021

35% lower in alcohol and calories than the standard Oxford Landing Shiraz. Reflecting a general trend toward lower alcohol consumption. 

Berry fruit, dark chocolate, touch up of oak. Solid Shiraz credentials on aromatics alone.

Slick feeling across the palate, seems quite sweet in the way it presents itself. Loose and light presence. 87

Tasted on: Friday 18th November
Source: Sample
Price: $15
Alcohol: 7%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.oxfordlanding.com/

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Amigo de La Tierra 2021

Organic Grenache and Tempranillo blend from a broader 'Wine of Spain' designation.

Dark Berry fruit with something like a balsamic edge. It's deep and showing its warmer clime origins in spite of that 13.5% alcohol.

Slick, full bodied feel, yet with a lightness across the palate at odds to that. It's dry, on a moderate length - with remnants of that boozy warmth at its conclusion. 88

Tasted on: Wednesday 23rd November
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Sample Courtesy of: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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Harewood Estate Chardonnay 2019

Smells golden, like sunshine - supplemented by stonefruit, citus.  

Slick, slippery palate - it glides across the tongue. There's a rougher edge at its conclusion, phenolics and remnants of French oak. Seems of its parts for now, would expect it to come together over time, as those burrs soften. 91

Tasted on: Friday 25th November  
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Sample Courtesy of: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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La Sorda Rioja 2020

Baked raspberry over earth warmed by a summer sun. Remnants of oak - in a supporting role - with bay
and woody herb.

Lovely powdery, drying tannins here - still with a freshness and vitality across the length. Delivers in spades, all too often Rioja can come across as tired and dusty, not so here. A tidy offering. 91

Tasted on: Saturday 26th November
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: 14.26%
Closure: Cork
Sample Courtesy of: https://www.singlevineyards.com 

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Apricus Hill Chardonnay 2021

Rich, ripe peach, French oak, citrus. Cracking elements of a Chardonnay.

Grapefruit across the palate, there's a generosity and weight to it - a certain palate presence. It needs a little time to come together, smooth some of the edges. 

Give it six to twelve months, where I suggest its best window is 2023-2030. 92

Tasted on: Sunday 27th November
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://harewood.com.au/

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Angullong Fossil Hill Sangiovese 2021

Sangiovese literally translates to something like "Blood of Jove", and sometimes - like here - a good example carries just a faint metallic whiff and edge of bloodstock.

That said, it's savoury edge gives way to a briary aspect - bolstered with blueberry fruit, violets and the freshening acidity thereof through the palate.

There's much interest here, soft tannins delivering a generous , moreish length. 93

Tasted on: Sunday 22nd January
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://angullong.com.au/

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Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Franc Shiraz 2019

I recently (January 2023) had the opportunity to re-visit this wine, and in doing so noticed I had neglected
to post this original note from February 2022. Note below is primarily from the original tasting, minor supplementals from the re-appraisal.

It's a 68/32 split of the two, being Cabernet Franc and Shiraz respectively.

It's fine boned, the emphasis being on a structure, not over-worked or extracted. The degree of finesse what stood out when re-tasted per the introduction.

Yes there's the requisite markers of red fruit and a little chocolate in the mix, but exquisitely fine tannins,  a generosity of flavour and a finesse are the stand out qualities. 93

Tasted on: Sunday 6th February
Source: Sample
Price: $32
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://terreaterre.com.au/

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Angullong Fossil Hill Rosé 2022

It sings Sangiovese!

Rose petal, dried raspberry - a touch of tart cranberry.

Freshness personified on aromatics; dry and minerally across a long palate.

There's a broad appeal about this wine: both to be supped languidly, or raced through with ease and to demand a second bottle. Good gear.

92

Tasted on: Thursday 19th January
Source: Sample
Price: $26
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.angullong.com.au/

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The Little Wine Company Vermentino 2022

Chalky citrus, saline whiff - like warm sun on sea kissed rocks.

Citrus, pithy, minerally edge - with an orange twist coursing through the finish. A summery delight. Give it a crack with some Oysters, or fried Whitebait. 92

Tasted on: Tuesday 29th November
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 12.6%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://www.thelittlewinecompany.com.au/

Sample Courtesy of: https://www.singlevineyards.com/  

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Castle Rock Porongurup Riesling 2022

Tropical lead-in with this crafted Riesling from Great Southern and the hands of Rob Diletti.

Lemons, Yuzu, subtle blossoms all offer up an aroma that is sure to delight and satisfy.

Bracing acidity against a pithy edge; cascading waves of refreshment deliver and entice successively - creating great drive and length. Refreshment plus! 93

Tasted on: Thursday 29th December
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol:11%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://castlerockestate.com.au/

Sample Courtesy of: https://definewine.com.au/   

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La Sorda Rioja Reserva 2015

At seven years of age it maintains a presence, one that balances a Fruit freshness - albeit fading - against the savoury depths, of oak and age.

The palate throws a lingering lick of vanilla over blue fruit; cocoa powder tannin sworls, filling the expanse of the oral cavity - before concluding on a gentle, ebbing length. 92

Tasted on: Tuesday 29th November
Source: Sample
Price: $65
Alcohol: TBA
Closure: Cork
Sample Courtesy of:  https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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